Somerville aldermen approve funds for casino strategy

After rejecting the proposed benefit package from the planned Wynn casino in Everett, the city of Somerville is spending $15,000 to bring in outside counsel to help make their case to arbitrators.

By Monica Jimenezmjimenez@wickedlocal.comAfter rejecting the proposed benefit package from the planned Wynn casino in Everett, the city of Somerville is spending $15,000 to bring in outside counsel to help make their case to arbitrators."I think it's heroic, really, to be doing this. We're going to put our foot down and take a stand," said Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz.At their meeting April 24, aldermen approved $15,000 for legal costs to enter arbitration with Wynn. After the state Gaming Commission designated Somerville a surrounding community, or a community that a proposed casino developer must provide improvements to in order to mitigate casino effects, the two sides have been unable to agree on the terms of mitigation.

Aldermen also approved hiring environmental attorney Stephen Leonard. He will review the city of Everett's harbor agreement, which would allow Wynn to open the casino across the Mystic River from Assembly Square.

"In our opinion, the judgment was rushed and not properly vetted. The mayor is very interested in pursuing that appeal, which will be handled by Mr. Leonard," city solicitor Frank Wright told aldermen at their regular meeting April 24.Aldermen President Bill White said although it's not certain Wynn casino will receive a license, the city must go through these steps in case it does. Ward 2 Maryann Heuston agreed."It's ironic that we have to go down this road when they may not even be a contender in this little scenario. But I guess you have to do it this way," Heuston said.Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz said the $15,000 is a worthwhile investment and praised the administration for their efforts, but expressed concern that the additional legal help may not be enough."It just seems like a David versus Goliath scenario. They have inside counsel and a slew of consultants and we have this person for $15,000," Gewirtz said. "Without getting into strategy, is this really all it's going to take?"Wright said the city solicitor's office is also at work on the city's legal strategy with regard to the casino, while the OSPCD is working on the traffic and environmental issues involved. Gewirtz said this should be part of the conversation."It's a lot more money than this, and that's part of the picture," Gewirtz said.Wright said Wynn appears to be sparing no expense, and the city is investing a considerable amount of time and energy as well."We have made a good-faith effort and attempt at resolution, but unfortunately it hasn't happened yet," Wright said.But he added, "If you remember David and Goliath – David did win."Aldermen opted not to enter executive session April 24 to discuss the city's legal strategy with regard to the casino, as the mayor requested, but will schedule an executive session at a later date.The Gaming Commission's deadline for surrounding communities arbitration to wrap up is June 2014.